Casting Call Standards
A clear casting call doesn’t just fill a role. It improves the quality of every submission you receive.
The more precise you are upfront, the better the auditions you’ll receive. This will shave hours off your casting experience.
Here’s what professional casting posts include.
1. Put the Deadline at the Top
Make it immediately visible.
Include:
Date
Exact time
Time zone
Example:
Auditions Due: March 3 @ 10 PM EST
Actors should be able to determine in seconds whether they can meet your timeline.
2. State Scope and Compensation Clearly
Be transparent.
Include:
Approximate number of lines
Whether reprisal opportunities exist
Paid or unpaid
If paid, rate and payment timing
Per-project rates are often clearer than per-line or hourly estimates unless you are paying Indie Rates.
If payment is upon delivery, state that.
Clarity prevents misunderstandings later.
3. Define the Role Clearly
Include:
Role name or short description
Voice age
Style or tonal direction
Gender is only necessary if it is story-relevant.
Example:
Role: Rhea, weary engineer, dry humor, late 30s–40s
Voice Age: Adult
Style: Warm, grounded, subtle sarcasm
This allows actors to quickly assess fit.
4. Provide Strong Audition Lines
Avoid one-word reactions or single short phrases.
Provide at least three lines that demonstrate range:
Full sentences
Emotional contrast
Clear shifts in intent
Example:
I’ve been patching this station together with scrap and stubbornness for six years. You want it running by morning? Then grab a wrench and stop asking me if it’s safe.
Look at me. I need you steady right now. Whatever you’re feeling can wait until we’re out of this corridor.
(quiet, restrained)
You think I don’t see what this place is doing to you? I do. I just don’t know how to pull you back from it.
Strong audition lines reveal:
Acting range
Emotional control
Natural dialogue flow
5. Include Context
Helpful additions:
Project type (mod, audio drama, short scene, etc.)
Tone (grounded, dramatic, comedic)
Accent preferences
Role size (lead, recurring, supporting)
Actors perform better when they understand the world they’re stepping into.
6. Acknowledge Submissions
Even a simple confirmation reaction or brief message goes a long way.
It signals:
The audition was received
The actor’s effort was respected
You do not need to publicly rank or comment on every submission.
But acknowledgment builds goodwill.
Example Structure
Title: Project Name or Role Name
Role: Hollis – tired security officer, dry wit, mid-40s+
Voice Age: Older Adult
Style: Grounded, restrained
Approx. 200 lines
Reprisal Opportunities: Yes
Paid: $175 upon delivery
Auditions Due: March 3 @ 10 PM EST
Audition Lines:
[Insert lines]
Project: Fallout 4 mod (narrative questline)
Role Size: Recurring NPC
Notes: Subtle performances preferred over theatrical reads.
~ ~ ~
Clear casting posts attract serious talent.
When expectations are defined, collaboration becomes easier for everyone involved.
